Why did you choose to study abroad with IES?
Heather: I decided to study with IES because the program had a variety of classes that fulfilled requirements for my major as well as an internship opportunity. I wanted to make sure that I was still working towards my degree but I also wanted to have the chance to explore, and I feel that IES gave me that opportunity.
The internship part of the program also seemed ideal for work experience but also to help learn the culture I was going to be living in. The program also had great field trips planned for the students and I thought that having those would be a great way to learn how to travel abroad. Also, the reviews I had read about the program were also great so I decided that it was the one for me!
What was your favorite "slang" term that you picked up while abroad?
Heather: My favorite slang term in England was “quid.” Small items like food or clothing accessories cost a couple of “quid.” It means a couple of pounds, the British currency. It is pretty much the equivalent of an American saying it cost a couple of bucks. I really like it because I think it sounds weird but also because if it is in your vocabulary, it means you’ve really become a part of the culture. It is a term that you can hear someone say everywhere and on a daily basis.
If you could do-over one thing, what would it be?
Heather: If I could do over one thing it would be to give myself more free time. I had an internship two days a week and class three days a week. I only had a two day weekend to go outside of the country. While I really enjoyed getting to know London and the surrounding area in my free time during the week, it would have been nice to make it to mainland Europe more and explore more countries. It was my first time abroad so there was so much to see and do. I didn’t get to do all of it because I ran out of time but at least I know what I want to do when I go back!
What was the highlight of your trip?
Heather: The highlight of my trip was definitely my internship. I worked for a company called Skylark Creative in London. I only went two days a week and I always looked forward to those days. My coworkers were such great people and gave me a lot of advice in what to see and do around the UK and London. I also got work experience in the field I am studying. My boss gave me the opportunity to explore film editing, copy editing for websites, and research for website design. It was a unique experience that I would not have found anywhere else.